Solicitor (Childcare and Families)

Your new company A large local authority is seeking an experienced Childcare Solicitor to join its established legal team on an interim basis. This is an initial 3-month assignment with an immediate start available, offering the opportunity to join a busy and supportive local government legal function handling a high-volume childcare caseload. The team advises on complex and sensitive matters impacting children and families and is looking for an experienced practitioner who can quickly integrate and provide immediate support. The role requires office (occasional) and hearing attendance, though fully remote candidates will be considered on the basis a higher caseload is managed where advocacy responsibilities are not undertaken. Your new role You will manage a full childcare caseload within a local authority setting with minimal supervision, advising social care teams and internal stakeholders on a range of public law childcare matters. Key responsibilities will also include: • Conducting advocacy and attending hearings where required • Drafting legal documents, applications and court pleadings • Providing pragmatic legal advice to social workers and senior stakeholders • Conducting legal research and advising on risk and case strategy Liaising with Counsel, courts and external parties where necessary What you'll need to succeed You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX professional holding a current practising certificate and be able to demonstrate the following: • Significant experience handling local authority childcare matters • Experience managing a full and varied childcare caseload independently • Strong knowledge of public law children work and care proceedings • Excellent advocacy skills and willingness to undertake their own hearings • Strong drafting, communication and stakeholder management skills • The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing deadlines Applications are particularly welcomed from experienced local government childcare lawyers who can comfortably take over an existing caseload and make an immediate impact. What you'll get in return • Competitive umbrella rate of £40-£60 per hour depending on experience • Initial 3-month contract with potential for extension • Flexible working arrangements, including consideration for fully remote working • Opportunity to work within an experienced and supportive local government legal team What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk